Students eager for schedules at orientation

Early
Monday morning about 80 future Ichabods
buzzed with anticipation as they sipped coffee or juice and flipped through papers
with one thing on their minds: Their first class schedule from Washburn
University.

Frantaisia Randolph, 18, graduated in May from Washburn Rural High School in Topeka. She chose
Washburn over some historically black colleges and universities because she thought
it would be a great place to transition to life on her own. She’ll study business management and aspires to work as a corporate lawyer. The reputation
of Washburn’s law school, Isia said, was a major reason she considered becoming
an Ichabod.

Her
aunt’s experience as a graduate student helped her decision, too.

“I
liked the closeness. I loved the professors. It’s comfortable,” said Randolph’s
aunt, Valerie LaMont, who earned her master’s degree in social work. “With me
being an adult learner it made it a lot easier. I had a great experience.”

LaMont
and her husband, Jerome, accompanied Isia throughout the day for support. All
students are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to New Student
Orientation. Special sessions for parents and guests are provided on topics
such as housing and financial aid.

“I’m
excited and nervous all at the same time,” Randolph said of the day ahead. “What
I’m most excited about is choosing my classes, getting to meet with faculty.”
She also was eager to explore her options regarding student activities and
Greek life at the Campus Resource Fair.

The
full-day orientation provides the opportunity to learn about special aspects of
campus such as multicultural affairs, the Student Recreation and Wellness
Center, the Leadership Institute or Learning in the Community: The Center for
Community Service and Civic Engagement. Students also learn about financing a
college education, what the learning environment will be like, tour the
residence halls, have lunch with faculty members and register for classes with
an academic advisor.

Omar
Diosdado, 24, was eager to talk with an advisor. He recently earned an
associate degree in police studies from Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Diosdado will pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Washburn and
plans to work as a law enforcement officer.

Figuring
out “what I’m going to need since I’ve already got my associates” was his
primary goal for the day. Criminal justice is one of the most popular majors at
Washburn, a fact that stuck with Diosdado, he said, after he visited a friend
who was attending Washburn.

The
ease of enrolling at Washburn impressed Diosdado. “It was not complicated at
all. All the staff were very helpful, very informative.”

Brent Hartoebben
chose Washburn largely because it was close to home. He graduated in May from Royal
Valley High School in Hoyt and plans to study radiology.

“It’s
in the medical field and it’s the way to go if you want to get a job in this
economy,” said Hartoebben, 18.

Practical
by nature, he’s already found a house he’ll rent with friends just south of
campus. The only thing left was to officially become an Ichabod.

By the
end of the day he had his iCard, the Washburn student ID, and that
all-important piece of paper: His class schedule.

The final orientation for students
beginning classes this fall semester is scheduled for Friday, July 13 at 8 a.m.
Orientation begins in the Washburn Room of the Memorial Union. Orientation
checkout and the Campus Resource Fair run from 2-5 p.m., also in the Washburn
Room.

What's an Ichabod?

Washburn's mascot, the Ichabod, honors the school's early benefactor, Ichabod Washburn, a 19th century Massachusetts industrialist. The original design of the studious-looking, tuxedo-clad figure was created in 1938 by Bradbury Thompson (ba '34), who became an internationally acclaimed graphic artist. Design wasn't Thompson's only consideration. To the stylized Ichabod the artist attributed the qualities of "...courage and enthusiasm, as shown by his brisk walk. He is democratic and courteous, for he tips his hat as he passes. Sincere in his search for truth and knowledge, he studiously carries a book under his arm..."